Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. He released the following statement explaining his position:
“Congress has a vital role in securing America’s national security when writing the NDAA. There are key provisions in this year’s bill that are bipartisan, much-needed investments in furthering that goal, but too many other sections of the bill are problematic. Therefore, I voted NO on the FY26 NDAA.
“I applaud the investments in our servicemembers and materiel, ranging from substantial pay raises to acquisition reform. I also commend our Congressional leaders for taking back some legislative prerogatives, including the repeals of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq and pushing the Secretary of Defense to provide unredacted videos of all strikes that have occurred in Latin America. However, I am frustrated that Speaker Johnson also excluded several provisions that have bipartisan and bicameral support, including establishing access to IVF, addressing the renaming of military installations and bases after Confederates, and protecting collective bargaining rights for Department of Defense civilian employees.
“Earlier this year, House and Senate Republicans’ versions of the NDAA were full of anti-LGBTQI+ provisions, including bans on medically-necessary healthcare for transgender servicemembers and their families—and even a ban on mental healthcare for transgender dependents. Thanks to the leadership and work of Ranking Members Adam Smith and Jack Reed and Democratic leadership in both chambers, the vast majority of these provisions—including all of the provisions restricting access to transgender healthcare—were not in the final bill. Unfortunately, the final bill still contained an anti-trans provision that bans transgender women from fully participating in women’s sports at the military academies, a provision I remain committed to repealing.
“This final version of the NDAA fails to adequately address the needs of servicemembers transitioning from active duty, veterans affected by the current housing crisis and experiencing homelessness, veterans who have suffered toxic exposure during their service, and female servicemembers and veterans requiring access to reproductive healthcare. Our veterans have earned our commitment to ensuring their comprehensive support. While they merit the highest standard of care our nation can provide, critical gaps remain unaddressed. This NDAA does not go far enough for those brave men and women who were ready to put their lives on the line for our country.
“If America is to stay a free and prosperous nation, it is imperative that Congress returns to the model of making investments in our common defense without partisanship or ideological agenda. The future of our country rests on it.”
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